High doses of vitamin D could help slow progression of precursor to MS, study finds
Expert says broadening definition of disease could help patients access such treatments
IN THE NEWS: A diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), the early neurological symptoms that often progress into multiple sclerosis (MS), can be frightening for patients and their loved ones.
While medications can help prevent future episodes, a new study has found that high doses of vitamin D may also help slow the progression of both CIS and early relapsing-remitting MS.
Dr. Michael Sy, a UCI Health neurologist who was not involved in the study, spoke with Health Central about why it’s important that CIS symptoms are incorporated into an MS diagnosis. This helps patients to access other treatment options, such as high-dose vitamin D.
“In the past, CIS wasn’t included in the formal MS definition, but that has changed. What used to be considered CIS would now be considered MS, in many cases.”
Sy is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at UC Irvine School of Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. He is a board-certified neurologist whose focus is on multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system.
Sy is also involved in translational research and clinical trials studying demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.
Make an appointment at the UCI Health Multiple Sclerosis Program by calling 714-456-7720.
About UCI Health
UCI Health is one of California’s largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health — Orange, UCI Health — Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties. As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education. Follow UCI Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.